MEDICAL DISCIPLINARY ACTIONS

The Medical Board of California licenses physicians and other medical professionals. It also investigates medical complaints and issues disciplinary actions. The most serious penalties include license revocation, suspension and probation.

These are the Los Angeles County medical professionals subject to serious disciplinary actions between July 1 and Sept. 30, 1990, according to medical board documents. Final actions are published only after all appeals are exhausted.

DOCTORS:

Morris P. Adkins, M.D., Los Angeles. Conviction for violating statutes regulating controlled substances. Routinely sold triplicate prescriptions for $100. License revoked. Effective July 4.

John B. Barnes Jr., M.D., Los Angeles. Conviction for unlawful distribution of controlled substances. Selling completed prescription blanks for Dilaudid. Also conviction for receiving stolen goods. License revoked. Effective Sept. 2.

Darrell H. Burstein, M.D., Beverly Hills. Conviction for failing to make and keep records relating to the acquisition and dispensing of 26,000 methaqualone (Quaalude) tablets. Revocation of license stayed; license suspended for 60 days. Placed on probation for one year. Effective Sept. 11.

James Evans Lipton, M.D., Los Angeles. Convictions for making false bomb threats and for defrauding innkeeper and cab driver. Gross negligence, incompetence and repeated negligence in care of patients. False record and false insurance claim. Mental illness now controlled by lithium therapy. Revocation of license stayed. Placed on probation for life. Effective Aug. 30.

Charles M. Starr, M.D., Burbank. Repeated negligent acts for furnishing drugs without good-faith prior examination. Revocation of license stayed. Placed on probation for five years. Effective July 11.

ACUPUNCTURIST:

Sheng G. Cho, Alhambra. False and misleading advertising claiming his acupuncture treatments could cure diabetes, Parkinson’s disease, allergies, arthritis, tennis elbow, drug addiction, migraine, constipation, insomnia, hearing loss and other disorders. Revocation of license stayed. Placed on probation for one year. Effective Aug. 4.

PODIATRIST:

Henry S. Boorstin, Brentwood. Convictions for forcible rape and assault with intent to commit rape. License revoked. Effective Aug. 8.

RESPIRATORY CARE PRACTITIONERS:

Michael S. Chavez, Lancaster. Convictions for unlawful possession and self-use of cocaine. License revoked. Effective Sept. 5.

Ronald L. Rosenberg, Los Angeles. Procured license by concealing several convictions for petty theft in license application. Revocation of license stayed. Placed on probation for five years. Effective Aug. 6.

SPEECH PATHOLOGIST:

Richard Vernon Webster, Hacienda Heights. Conviction for lewd act upon girl under 14. Revocation of license stayed; license suspended for eight months. Placed on probation for seven years. Effective Sept. 17.

Source: Medical Board of California, Sacramento.